From engineer to entrepreneur: Jed Wortmann’s franchise journey with More Than Loft Ladders
Jed Wortmann’s journey into franchising began nearly a decade before he took the leap. Back in 2015, while running a roofing business, Jed attended The National Franchise Exhibition for the first time. He was drawn to the idea of franchising as a more secure alternative to starting a business entirely from scratch.
At the time, Jed explored opportunities in estate agency franchises but decided to wait – ultimately taking up an apprenticeship with OpenReach. Over the next nine years, he progressed to become an advanced engineer.
“I enjoyed it for a while,” he says. “But I’d hit a bit of a ceiling and didn’t want to move into management. When they offered a severance package, it gave me the push I needed to look for something new.”
That decision proved to be a turning point. With several months to plan his next move, Jed returned to The National Franchise Exhibition in October 2024 – this time with real intent. Initially, he was drawn to a window shutter business but a conversation with the team from More Than Loft Ladders changed everything.
Within a couple of weeks, Jed had arranged a discovery day with Liam to see the business in action. “After spending the day with them, that was it for me. I was fully on board. It just confirmed everything I was hoping to find.”
A fresh start and a growing family
By January 2025, Jed officially launched his More Than Loft Ladders franchise while also welcoming a newborn into the family.
“It was a whirlwind,” he laughs. “New baby, new business, but an incredibly exciting time.”
Reflecting on his first few months as a franchisee, Jed says the rewards go beyond financial return. “What I enjoy most is seeing customers’ reactions. You’re giving people more usable space in their homes, often transforming areas they’d written off. The feedback is always really positive. You can tell it makes a real difference to their lives.”
Building for the future
Although Jed is currently running the business solo, growth is firmly on his radar. “My plan is to bring someone on soon, and potentially a second hire by the end of the year.” This would allow Jed to take on more of a management role, while still remaining hands on with the business, stepping out of the office to focus on quotations and generating new leads.
Like many successful franchisees, Jed credits his progress to a combination of hard work and the right fit. “This isn’t something where you buy the licence and success just happens. You’ve got to be prepared to put the work in — especially in that first year. But if you choose something you’re passionate about and you’ve got the right support, it’s absolutely worth it.”
Advice for aspiring franchisees
For those considering a franchise, Jed’s advice is clear:
He also encourages anyone attending The National Franchise Exhibition to go in prepared: “Take a notebook, ask loads of questions, and don’t be afraid to follow up after the show. It can feel overwhelming on the day, but if something stands out — trust your gut and explore it.”
Jed’s success story is a great example of the life-changing opportunities offered by The Franchise Exhibitions. Interested in following in his footsteps? Find out more about upcoming events and book your free tickets today!
